How to make leak free exhaust/header joints?

[carwhisperer]

The Acura/Beetle is on hold for a bit while I do some work to the LS1 Isuzu. Trying to fix some oil and exhaust leaks. Rear main, new timing chain and front cover and oil pan gasket. As for the exhaus, these are cheap eBay V band flanges that I put on when I first did the swap. They were leaking there so I bought some $25 each (wow!) clamps from Napa. Made no difference. I was thinking maybe I’d weld a piece of exhaust tubing inside each flange on the downpipe side, effectively giving me a slip fit. I think I could slightly narrow a piece of 2.5” OD tubing to make a snug fit, as the ID of the flange measures out at 2.490 or so.

Or, should I cut these flanges off and go with something else?

[tinbeater]

Just a guess but it's possible that you warped them by welding too hot. I've never had them leak myself so I'm just speculating. Or possibly let it sit too long before completing a weld. That could make the flange pull out of round. Just a guessing

[carwhisperer]

Yes I think they may have warped. I don’t want to cut them and go and weld new ones on and have it happen again

[Bugula]

LS Isuzu what? Amigo? Pick up? Full frame tubbed out Impulse?
Is there a thread for this? Thanks John

[SCOTTRODS]

Vehicross?


pleeaase>>>>

[DrHax]

Would brazing be better in this stituation? Because it flows and will fill voids? Or am I being stupid?

[carwhisperer]

This is what I came up with. I cut a 3/4” long piece of 2.5” OD tubing with a big tubing cutter. The cutter kind of rounds/swages the edges, which helped me fit them in place. I assembled the joints today. They seem nice and tight, but I won’t know if they’re leak free until I start it.

[carwhisperer]

[carwhisperer]

Originally Posted by Bugula

LS Isuzu what? Amigo? Pick up? Full frame tubbed out Impulse?
Is there a thread for this? Thanks John

It’s a 1989 Isuzu Spacecab 2WD pickup with a 2000 Camaro LS1/4L60E. It was on the road for about 8 months before I took it apart to try to fix some leaks
http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/viewto...631362080afa2e

[Bugula]

Isuzu' have pretty big engine compartments. From what I've seen.

[NWRacing]

We used to do that trick with the sleeve on big block chevys back in the day to keep them from blowing out the gasket at the exhaust pipe

[carwhisperer]

Originally Posted by Bugula

Isuzu' have pretty big engine compartments. From what I've seen.

Especially the NPRs!

Yah, it is pretty big. I was able to get the LS1 in there with the stock Camaro radiator and AC condesor and cooling fans. But I had to cut the core support and clearanced the bumper and grill. I made a reinforcement that fits inside the bumper.

[Bugula]

I've seen V8 Amigo's. But, I've been wanting a V8 Geo Tracker for sometime. I'll keep it on my things to get to list. Lol

[carwhisperer]

Originally Posted by Bugula

I've seen V8 Amigo's. But, I've been wanting a V8 Geo Tracker for sometime. I'll keep it on my things to get to list. Lol

Things to build list?

[Bugula]

Yes, like a bucket list. But less achievable. Lol

[carwhisperer]

My pickup weighs 3300 with the Al motor. I'll bet an Al V8 tracker could could come in under 2900lbs

[Bugula]

Their on the youtubes. Street and street/ strip ones.